After Kim Jong Il's death, Obama and South Korea huddle

By JENNIFER EPSTEIN

12/19/2011 01:27 AM EST

President Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak spoke late Sunday following the announcement of the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, the White House said in a brief readout of their call.

"At midnight tonight, President Obama spoke with Republic of Korea President Lee Myung-bak to discuss the situation on the Korean Peninsula following the death of Kim Jong Il," the White House said. "The president reaffirmed the United States’ strong commitment to the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the security of our close ally, the Republic of Korea. The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops and agreed they would direct their national security teams to continue close coordination."

Meanwhile, North Korea's state-run news agency declared that Kim's son, Kim Jong Un, is "the great successor to the revolutionary cause ... and outstanding leader of our party, army and people." The younger Kim, believed to be in his mid-twenties, is said to have been groomed to succeed his father.

Soon after reports of Kim's death emerged late Sunday in Washington, White House press secretary Jay Carney said in a statement that the administration was monitoring reports and had been in touch with South Korea and Japan. "We remain committed to stability on the Korean peninsula, and to the freedom and security of our allies," Carney said.